First published on LinkedIn on February 25th, 2025 – Reprinted/reposted/reblogged here with the permission of the Author
A few days ago, Technicolor (finally) collapsed. And all I can think of is a quote from The Dark Knight:
„You either die a hero, or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain!“
Technicolor lived long enough to become the worst villain of the VFX industry.
For over two decades, they ran MPC, Mill Film, The Mill, Mikros, and Mr. X like sweatshops, pushing artists to the limit with insane hours, unpaid overtime, and toxic working conditions.
We all have heard the horror stories:
artists collapsing, suffering severe health issues, and in the worst cases, taking their own lives. All while leadership squeezed every last drop out of them in the name of profit.
Let’s be clear: Technicolor pioneered the worst practices in VFX.
They offshored jobs, fired thousands to cut costs, and set the industry standard for exploitation. Their influence still poisons VFX today.
But what shocks me is how many people are STILL thanking them, saying Technicolor „shaped“ their careers.
This is Stockholm Syndrome.
I get it, I feel grateful too, but not for the same reasons.Technicolor showed me exactly what I DON´T WANT in a company. Just like escaping a toxic relationship, I look back and think, How did I ever put up with that?
Yes, thousands of artists just lost their jobs, and I feel for them. But let’s be honest: Technicolor´s failure isn´t a tragedy, its JUSTICE
The real problem? The people who ran that company haven’t disappeared. They’ve moved on, bringing their toxic mindset to other studios. That’s why VFX is still broken.
But here’s the truth: if Technicolor survived all these years, winning Oscars and awards, it wasn´t because of their leadership, it was because of US, the artists.
The ones who worked those never-ending days and nights.
The ones who solved impossible problems under insane pressure
Cristian Spagnuolo
The ones who made magic happen.
We are stronger than they ever gave us credit for.
So don’t let this moment break you, rise and fight for the industry we deserve. Remember the amazing people you met, the bonds you built, the passion that kept you going despite everything.
We are the stars.
We are the ones who won those awards.
WE ARE what makes VFX magical.
Never forget it!!!
Cristian Spagnuolo
Experienced VFX & CG Supervisor | Beta-Tester, Mentor & Content Creator | 20 Years of Transforming Imagination into Reality
Websites:
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